Holliston cafe’s seating plan lacks support of business neighbors

The owner of a downtown cafe says he hopes other businesses will help pay for seats in front of his cafe.

Laura Krantz/Daily News staff

The owner of a downtown cafe says he hopes other businesses will help pay for seats in front of his cafe.

Pejamajo Cafe owner Peter Savas said other businesses like his idea to put tables and chairs along Central and Washington streets, but they haven’t chipped in any money.

“What we haven’t had so far is anyone else help fund the tables and chairs,” he said.

The business owner told selectmen last month about a plan to put six to nine tables outside the cafe, saying the seats would be for anyone, not just Pejamajo customers.

But Savas said the price of the tables and chairs is more than he realized, costing up to $450 for a quality table and two chairs. He also said that outdoor seating is customers’ top request and would be good for the town.

“We want people to drive through and say, ‘Isn’t that cute?’” Savas said.

But other downtown businesses hesitate.

John Paltrineri, owner of Fiske’s General Store next door, voiced worries about safety, since the cafe sits at the town’s central intersection.